On March 22, 2011, homeschoolers met at Angie Bruner’s home in Summerton. Charlotte Mason educator Tammy Glaser led them outdoors. They studied the features of blooming wisteria, made watercolors, and recorded their observations. In her nature notebook, Glaser wrote, “All seemed to enjoy it and came back refreshed.”
Little did they know what seeds were planted that day and how God would bear fruit. In the fall, the group met on Fridays. A few went on a nature walk, followed by lunch outdoors. Then, the group held enrichment classes in fine arts, Shakespeare, and science. In June 2013, they started the only classical school in the area and one of the few Charlotte Mason schools in the state.
They invited homeschoolers to join them on enrichment days. As students filled the building, they ran out of space for homeschoolers.
Thirteen years later, they have gone full circle. Harvest Community School has partnered with St. Matthias Church - across the street from where Bruner and Glaser led their first gatherings. In addition to Harvest’s academic program for full-time students, they will offer an innovative blend of homeschooling and classroom engagement for the 2024-2025 School Year:
- A hybrid homeschool model is for children in grades 1-6.
- Classroom education is offered two days per week.
- Curriculum outlines are provided, including enrichment lesson plans.
- Instruction parallels in-school curriculum with weekly lesson plans.
- All truths — God’s truths - are woven throughout the day.
- Christian education includes Bible reading, narration, and memory work plus worship in chapel in a beautiful sanctuary.
- Students of all faith traditions are encouraged to be free-thinkers (Philippians 2:12).
- School-led instruction follows AmblesideOnline’s curriculum.
- Students may join Harvest’s extra-curricular activities and nature walks.
- Educational sessions help families understand Mason’s methods.
- The school year begins in late August and ends in late May.
- The first in-person classes start after Labor Day.
- A registration fee of $125 is due with the enrollment form.
- Tuition for the 2024-2025 school year is $2,250 per child, not including books and supplies.
An informal meeting for families will be held in St. Matthias’ fellowship hall (9 North Dukes Street in Summerton on Thursday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. for an hour.
Harvest’s staff has over forty years of experience combined in Charlotte Mason education. We have helped other homeschoolers start private schools and hybrid homeschools. We are delighted to share this life-giving method, especially with Montessori families! Graduates of St. Matthias’ Preschool flourish at Harvest.
For more information about contacting us, enrollment, Charlotte Mason, AmblesideOnline, and helpful links, go to www.harvestcommunityschool.org/hybrid-homeschool.html
CONTACT: Tammy Glaser, Curriculum Coordinator, (803) 574-1004
www.harvestcommunityschool.org, tammy@harvestingcm.com
